With the England starâs Â­contract expiring next June, coach Carlo Ancelottiâs Â­tactical switch fuelled theÂ­ belief that Cole will quit Â­Stamford Bridge at the end of this season.

Chelsea coach Ray Wilkins revealed afterwards that the decision was tactical and that there was no injury problem.

Wilkins said: âWe have a squad full of quality and the manager will change things.

âJoe wasnât injured, but he has been out a long while with an injury and is coming back. But we are not concerned.â

The suggestion of any split between Cole and his club will convince Manchester City, Manchester United and Â­Tottenham that they can lure him away from Stamford Bridge as a free agent, says the Sunday Mirror.